PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Grassland species that grow on small and discrete meadow patches are under severe threat of losing genetic diversity. Studies show that landscape-scale dispersal is a key process linked to the recovery of vegetation, and for maintaining both biodiversity and genetic diversity following restoration. In fragmented landscapes, dispersal of seeds and genetic material is often disrupted, leading to failure in the spontaneous recovery of species richness, as well as in the establishment and maintenance of genetically diverse populations.
Muhu island, Estonia's third largest island located in the West Estonia archipelago in the Baltic Sea, is a unique area with a high concentration of EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) priority-for-conservation semi-natural grassland habitat types, and a relatively well-preserved traditional lifestyle and high nature-value farmland. In recent research on the sustainable management of semi-natural grassland communities, one of the findings was that there is a lack of steady and in-depth advice for managers of the semi-natural meadows.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of LIFE CONNECTING MEADOWS was to restore 200 ha of semi-natural grassland habitats on Muhu, within 6 Natura 2000 sites. In particular, the project targeted alvars, wooded meadows and coastal meadows, 3 priority habitats listed in the EU Habitats Directive, to reduce fragmentation between areas of restored and managed grasslands.
The project beneficiaries also aimed to:
- create and improve conditions for sustainable continuous management of semi-natural grasslands (e.g. mowing machinery and grazing infrastructure, semi-natural grasslands product labelling, advisors),
- make practical use of the research carried out and to test and adjust the restoration planning model for future similar restorations in the way that they would reduce the fragmentation of grasslands,
- create an online communication platform for stakeholders (landowners, farmers, conservationists, government officials) to support further management of these valuable habitats,
- deliver the knowledge of the value of well managed species-rich meadows and ecosystem services to a wider audience,
- demonstrate the benefits to biodiversity from the reduced fragmentation through scientific monitoring, and assess socioeconomic impact.
RESULTS
The project achieved the following results:
- 202.6 ha of priority habitats of EU Habitats Directive restored in the targeted Natura 2000 sites - 20.8 ha of wooded meadows, 23.6 ha of coastal meadows and 158.2ha of alvars,
- meadow managers equipped with suitable machinery (2 mowing sets for wooded meadows) and grazing infrastructure for continuous management (21.3 km of fences, electrical generators, 35 gates, 3 sets of collection pens for animals, 3 all-terrain vehicles, 11 portable animal shelters, 6 freshwater access points, 3 trailers for animals and hay),
- 3.65 km of access roads repaired,
- increased seed dispersal and number of pollinators thanks to restoration measures and enhanced connectivity,
- establishment of roadside dispersal corridors for species,
- model for spatial planning of semi-natural grassland restoration and spatial plan for reducing fragmentation of grasslands tested, adjusted and available for restoration planning,
- long-term (30 year) tripartite contracts signed with farmers and landowners to bring their cattle/sheep to graze the area annually,
- communication platform to connect meadow managers and conservationists created,
- 6 advisors trained to offer advisory services for semi-natural grassland restoration and management
- newspaper articles, social media posts and radio reports on the project, and 5 biodiversity training days held in local community,
- publication and distribution of 5 000 booklets in 4 languages,
- hiking trail app for Muhu Island available for visitors.
